Venus Williams has announced she will play the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, in March, for the first time in 15 years.
Photograph: Bi Mingming/Xinhua Press/Corbis

Venus Williams will end her 15-year boycott of Indian Wells in March. Williams has not played the BNP Paribas Open WTA event since 2001 after claims of racism against her and members of her family.

The five-times Wimbledon champion, her sister Serena and her father Richard were booed by members of the Indian Wells crowd in 2001 and Williams thereafter chose to omit the California tournament from her schedule.

“We are thrilled Venus Williams, one of the greatest women’s players in the history of the game, is returning,” said the Indian Wells Tennis Garden chief executive, Raymond Moore. “Our fans embraced Serena last year and we expect nothing less for Venus.”

Halep, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Sam Stosur will also be among those competing at Indian Wells from 7-20 March.